John, Nancy, Mike and Emma Johnston recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for Family Advocacy Day. In its eighth year, the Children’s Hospital Association 2012 Family Advocacy Day brings children’s hospitals patients and their families to tell their stories to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. In 2011, Mike, a Children’s patient, was diagnosed with a cancerous Germinoma tumor.

Upon his family’s return from a whirlwind tour of our nation’s capital, John answered a few questions about his family’s experience participating in Family Advocacy Day.

Q: Why did you share your story on Capitol Hill?

A: We shared our story because it was important for our legislators to put a face with a budget line item. Our family does not want any other child to suffer waiting to receive care. We as a nation can’t afford to balance our budget on the backs of children.

Q: Do you think your story caught lawmakers’ attention?

A: Our story was very compelling. We had to wait for Mike to see a specialist for several months before we were ultimately told to go to Children’s. Every legislator we spoke with agreed that this was unacceptable. It is important for them to see the human impact of budget changes or cuts.

Q: What kind of reception did you get from the Minnesota delegation?

A: The Minnesota delegation was wonderful. The four specific legislators we met with were; Reps. Betty McCollum and Eric Paulsen and Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar. They were all up on the issues and understood our dilemma as parents. They all agreed that this is an extremely important issue, and they vowed to keep up the fight. The staffers we met also gave us ample time to share our story. Rep. Paulsen commented on the trading card Mike gave him, so it was very important to leave something behind with our lawmakers.

Q: In addition to taking in the incredible sights of Washington, D.C., did you take anything away from your experience?

A: For our family, it was amazing to see how our government actually works. It is very inspiring to know that a single family can make a difference in public policy. We’re a family that gives back to our community and have already offered our services at the state level. We must stand up for children since they are our future. We know all too well the importance of excellent, timely care. With any cuts to these programs, lives can be at risk. We met so many wonderful people at Family Advocacy Day and would strongly urge others to do the same. Our lives have been forever changed in a very positive way because of the role we were able to play.

John blogged before his family traveled to Washington, D.C. To read that post, click here.

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